Resilient Rebels stick to their guns

CORK’S status as All-Ireland junior football market leaders was reinforced in Semple Stadium on Saturday when they collected a fourth title in seven years.

But it was a great struggle before the silverware was hoisted by captain Cathrach Keane, who made amends for missing out on the final win two years ago through injury.

Kildare, who desperately sought the county’s first crown in this grade, proved stubborn opponents to shake-off and made much of the running in the early stages as they produced enterprising football. Cork looked to have it secured in normal time when Daniel O’Donovan banged over a brilliant 45 from out on the left wing yet Kildare’s resilience surfaced as they fashioned the opportunity for Tommy Moolick to launch over the levelling point.